Sat Feb 01 14:37:29 IST 2025: ## Kohli’s Ranji Return Ends Swiftly as Delhi Triumph Over Railways
**New Delhi** – Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to Ranji Trophy after a 12-year hiatus ended abruptly on Day 2, as he was clean bowled for six runs by Railways’ Himanshu Sangwan. Despite the brief appearance, Kohli’s presence drew a massive crowd to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with reports suggesting nearly 15,000 fans attending the match. The excitement surrounding Kohli even led to the Delhi vs. Railways match being livestreamed, a rare occurrence for a Ranji Trophy game.
Delhi ultimately secured a convincing victory by an innings and 19 runs, concluding their Ranji Trophy Group D campaign on a high note. After resuming their innings on Day 3 at 334/7, Delhi added just 40 runs before being bowled out for 374, establishing a significant 133-run first-innings lead. Ayush Badoni’s 99 and Sumit Mathur’s unbeaten 78 were instrumental in Delhi’s substantial lead.
Railways’ response was feeble. Their batting order crumbled, with several batsmen falling cheaply. Shivam Sharma claimed a five-wicket haul, contributing significantly to Delhi’s dominant win. The match showcased a stark contrast between Delhi’s strong batting performance and Railways’ fragile middle-order. Even after lunch, Railways’ struggles continued, with their middle order repeatedly failing to deliver.
Beyond the match result, Kohli’s presence created a buzz. He interacted warmly with ground staff and security personnel after the match. The game attracted unprecedented attention for a Ranji Trophy fixture, highlighting Kohli’s enduring popularity and impact on the sport.
First Piper 